The Collapse of the Bridge Here in MN

How odd that the anniversary of my own possible demise should be the same date where many others have died tonight. One year ago tonight I was in the hospital with unbelievable head pain and severe vomiting. I had suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage which is a fancy way to say a vein burst in the back of my head. At least 40% of those who have this happen die. Many others are left with weakness, paralysis, numbness the same as a stroke and, indeed, this IS considered a type of stroke. How and why I walked away from this with such minor side affects is still a matter of incredulity to me. I was lucky, blessed, fortunate - pick your word.

Tonight a major bridge in our area collapsed. Last I heard the death count was at 7 and so many more were badly injured. The TV has been filled with images of a burning truck, injured people on stretchers, cars dangling precariously over the edges of the broken bridge ends and interviews with survivors. I have been praying no one I know is involved yet I feel guilty for that because that means someone else's loved one will be a victim. Still... I didn't choose who would be involved so praying those I care for are safe shouldn't be such a selfish thing, should it?

Earlier tonight my husband and two sons drove over the bridge NEXT to the one which collapsed. My future daughter-in-law drove over the collapsed bridge just ten short minutes before it went down. And a year ago I was fighting for my life in the hospital. Life can change drastically and quickly. We must never, ever forget that. We truly need to live our lives as if it could be our last day or even our last hour so we have no regrets.

For those who have lost their lives tonight I pray that they went peacefully with no angry words left between them and loved ones, loose ends tied up and peace in their hearts.